a new year

I cannot tell you how busy this past holiday season has been. Obviously there was no time for a blog because it's been a month and a half since my last post. I figured I should probably start up again before it is too late into 2010.

Since Thanksgiving, which went really well, Christmas took over my life. We decided this year, to have my parents come to my house instead of trekking to Park City since we wanted to do a smaller holiday than years past (no money!) and since it would be more convenient. Everything was chaotic with finishing school during the first half of the month that present shopping and holiday planning were pushed until a week and a half before. Since this was my first experience with having my family over at my house, I wanted everything to be perfect so I was stressing about all of it. The menu was:

Eggs Benedict with homemade Hollandaise
Cajun Potatoes
Mimosas
Strawberry Cake

My parents brought the Asian dishes like tofu with mushrooms and cabbage, chile wings, and leek buns. We had a really good mixture of everything. Along with cooking for my family, I also baked gingerbread for Jesse's Christmas that would be in the evening. On Christmas Eve, I cleaned the whole house, we wrapped presents, and cleaned some more. Vivian had her puppy Mochi with her that whole week so the cats were very unhappy and Andrew brought Kudo, my Aunt's dog, who he was babysitting. It was a crazy Christmas with all the animals chasing each other around my small house and all the cooking going on, but it was the best Christmas I've had in a while.

All the food

My family + Jesse (Viv is taking the pic)

the Strawberry Cake


our tree

the pups had to be separated

After Christmas at my house, Jesse and I hurried over to his sister's house for their Christmas. The gingerbread cookies turned out fantastic and everyone loved them. Best gingerbread recipe ever and definitely a keeper. We didn't make it home until 11 pm Christmas night and since I was up at 8, I was exhausted. It was a really great day and it helps me remember why I love Christmas despite it being incredibly busy.

For New Years, Hollie and I planned a party at their house. It was even better than last year's party with more people, more food, and more dancing. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic year and a memorable start of a new decade. I have now been a vegetarian and 1/2 vegan for a year now. I plan on keeping it up this year as well. Jesse will be working at Sundance and it's something we're both looking forward to because of the amazing pay and the experience. I plan on getting my CNA this month so I can get some hospital experience and quit my current job which is generally unfulfilling. This way I'm also working toward my bigger goal and not wasting anymore time! I've also decided on my major which will be Environmental Studies so I'm anxious to just get it done and graduate. Overall we're both optimistic about this upcoming year and can't wait for opportunities to surprise us.

PS. Christmas morning brought me a delightful package. Jesse splurged on me and got this to help me pursue my developing interest in baking. I'll be testing recipes now more than ever which means more blogs. This baby is going to change my life. (& isn't she pretty?)